A victory parade will be held to celebrate Brighton and Hove Albion's triumphant return to Division One.

The promotion heroes will be carried in an open-top bus through the city, which will be bathed in a sea of blue and white on Sunday, July 18.

Thousands of fans are expected to pack the streets to applaud the Seagulls after their 1-0 win against Bristol City in the Division Two play-off final last Sunday.

The gigantic party which followed the victory, as fans went delirious over Albion's promotion, is set to continue on the earliest date the team could get together after their holidays.

Albion chairman Dick Knight originally ruled out a parade.

However, yesterday he said: "Albion fans will want to turn out in their thousands to celebrate the team's success.

"We could not arrange the parade any earlier because of the players' summer break.

"But July 18 is a must for everyone's diaries. We said it was not possible to arrange it this week because the players are on a well-deserved holiday.

"I expect the turn-out could be even bigger than the 30,000 who turned up in Cardiff. That's what the club means to this city. It would also be nice if we had another reason to celebrate but that's up to Mr Prescott."

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "It's another fantastic achievement by the club and quite right Albion's players and staff should receive everyone's congratulations in their home city.

"In the past these celebrations have generated a great party atmosphere and been a real boost to civic pride."

Ian Hart, who hosts the club radio phone-in on BBC Southern Counties, has been a supporter for 31 years.

He said: "It's a great idea, as it was a great achievement. If the sun is shining, all the blue and white will come out and it will be something to remember. The club is something the county and the city should be proud of."

Supporters' club chairman Tim Carder, a supporter for almost 40 years, said: "I'll certainly be there.

"Let's hope we have a decision by Mr Prescott by then and we have a party celebrating promotion and the stadium."

Parades were staged when the Seagulls won the Division Three championship in 2001, the Division Two top spot in 2002, promotion to the old first division in 1979 and when they reached the FA Cup final in 1983.

The route of the tour has yet to be finalised and the club and city council will announce more details nearer the time.